The New Zealand banking and finance industry is a highly competitive market where each bank is fighting for growth in an aggressively competitive arena. At the same time, we live in the “age of the customer” where consumers demand and expect relevance and value.

By combining the best of design, data and technology, Kiwibank came up with an innovative tool called Home Hunter that delivered incredibly successful results for themselves and their customers. Home Hunter reinvents the home buying experience by combining instant mortgage pre-approval with the latest house listings and rich property data, including estimated price ranges.

As well as knowing the range of what a property is likely to sell for, customers can also see what properties Kiwibank has pre-approved for lending in their price range and can click a button to take things to the next stage.

The tool operates across channels and is incorporated through website, downloadable as an app as well as used in-branch by staff to enable customers access to rich and relevant property data while at the same time engaging with them and converting them into home loan customers.

Home Hunter combines the best of digital with Kiwibank’s physical channels by automatically connecting a pre-approved customer with a mobile home lending expert who brings the personal experience to the digital.

Home Hunter has delivered a six figure sum of pre-approvals since launch. The quality of these leads is strong with final conversion into lending exceeding 10% (based on May-June 2014). Home Hunter has created increased momentum around pre-approvals and is well on track to achieve a target of $127m in drawdowns in its first year.